WASHINGTON – African Americans, Hispanics, in fact most people of color, were a rarity at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The lack of participation by America’s Black and other minority communities was stark to viewers on television and on the ground. The makeup of the audience, as well as those on the main stage were in stark contrast to the inaugurations of Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and even George W. Bush.
Those who were there said they attended to express their support for their country, despite their personal convictions about Trump. For example, some Black college students in the District of Columbia and the surrounding area said they chose to attend the inauguration out of curiosity rather than support.
Ashley Harris is a student at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Harris said she wanted first-hand experience at a presidential inauguration. “I’m not a Trump supporter at all,” she said, “but this is the first election I voted in, and this is history.”
Daryl Gardner is a Howard University student who also wanted to witness history during his last year at Howard. “This is my last year in D.C…so I figured I would take advantage of [the experience],” Gardner said.
Although many African Americans are not optimistic about the Trump presidency, some are attempting to maintain an open mind and a positive attitude by attending the inauguration. “I don’t agree with Trump on anything,” Gardner said. “Unfortunately, he’s our president. Therefore…I’m going to see what other people have to say and what he has to say.”
There were some who did come to support Trump. “I came out today to express my duty as a United States citizen and also to be a part of this great moment,” says Ernest Moussi, who was born in Cameroon. “I am excited and optimistic about [the presidency]. I would like to see him speak to the skeptics and…those who may not have supported him.”
Many people from around the world visited the nation’s capital to witness a moment of history. Ryan O’Neill is a citizen of the Bahamas, said he wants to express his support for America’s new president.
“If I could vote, I would have voted for Donald Trump,” he said.
Thanks to Sydney Williams and the Howard University News Service for sharing this story with us.
Below, watch the full video of of Trump’s Inaugural Address courtesy of WhiteHouse.gov. Read read the transcript here.
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According to published reports President Donald Trump’s National Diversity Coalition, led by white attorney Michael Cohen and Pastor Darrell Scott hosted the Amer-I-Can Inauguration Party at the offices of a K-Street law firm. 35 people paid $2,500 and approximately another 150 paid $1,000 to attend. Attorney Cohen and Pastor Scott pledged National Diversity Coalition financial support for legendary athlete Jim Brown’s Amer-I-Can foundation. The most recent available nonprofit tax form (2014 records) for Amer-I-Can demonstrates expenditures of $271,553, including $138,634 in salaries and $129,332 in expenses. However, Jim Brown and his wife are said to be the only listed employees. Michael Cohen, Trump’s personal lawyer outlined President Trump’s plan to curb violence and empower black communities. According to Cohen, President Trump intends to support mentoring and promote self-determination primarily through Brown’s Amer-I-Can foundation. Cohen also would not say how much money the Trump administration intends to put into the Amer-I-Can foundation, though he promised the nonprofit would see some investment.
https://theundefeated.com/…/jim-brown-tells-black…/
https://www.bostonglobe.com/…/u8sDBdTnrWH7Oo…/story.html
In his Twitter profile Scott referred to himself as Dr. Darrell Scott. President Donald Trump has also referred to Scott as “Dr. Darrell Scott.” In his church bio Scott’s says: “Already a 21st Century Theologian and Scholar in his own right, Dr. Darrell went on to receive his Doctorate of Divinity in November of 2004.” That is, his bio is worded in a way that creates the impression that he earned the degree. To use the title “Dr.” is inappropriate and misleading since the degree was not earned. Compounding the problem is the questionable status of the college. St. Thomas Christian University is not accredited by any Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognized accrediting body. St. Thomas is currently unlicensed in the state of Florida. Mr. Scott appears to be using his degree from an unaccredited school to create an impression that he earned a doctorate.
http://www.patheos.com/…/trump-transition-team-member…/